LINCOLN, NEB. (January 24, 2008)—Wayne has earned the Nebraska Economic Development Certified Community designation.

Sponsored by the Nebraska Diplomats, the program is one of very few nationwide that  recognizes communities for being prepared for economic development. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development administers the application process.
“The Nebraska Diplomats are pleased to announce Wayne as its newest Development Certified Community,” said Tim White, President of the Nebraska Diplomats. “Wayne is the 17th community in the State to make a commitment to Economic Development excellence and the extensive planning required to receive the certification.”
Wayne (pop. 5,000-plus) has taken a progressive and aggressive position where economic development is concerned. In October 2005, Wayne Area Economic Development, Inc. (WAEDI) became the city’s first professionally staffed economic development organization. The organization wasted no time in reshaping the city’s economic development program. WAEDI created and hosted the “Celebrating and Promoting Regional Collaboration” Economic Development Summit in 2007, which attracted nearly 200 business and industry representatives. The Second Annual Summit, “Rural Economic Development in the 21st Century” will be held at Wayne State College on May 15.
WAEDI and several partners were the first in the state to implement the Synchronist Business Retention and Expansion Program, and so far have visited more than 50 businesses.
“The city of Wayne has chosen a clear vision for its future by aggressively supporting and promoting economic development,” said Dave Simonsen, WAEDI executive director. “The commitment made by Mayor Lois Shelton and the entire Wayne City Council shows that the city is poised for continued growth and economic prosperity.”
During the past five years, the city has loaned more than $752,832 to 17 businesses from its economic development reuse revolving loan fund. During the past two years alone, Wayne has enjoyed more than $5 million in new business investment and an influx of 170 new or retained jobs.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held in November 2007 for a 20,000-sq.-ft. metal speculative building to be constructed during summer 2008 on 6.57 acres in Kardell Industrial Park northeast of Wayne. The project received a $255,000 Community Development Block Grant from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.
Other Nebraska ED Certified Communities are Auburn, Cozad, Fremont, Geneva, Gothenburg, Grand Island, Holdrege, Lexington, Nebraska City, Norfolk, North Platte, Ogallala, Ord, Scottsbluff, Sidney and South Sioux City.

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT
Patty Wood at 402-471-1559, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it